B2a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else: A heart shape is the symbol of love.The wheel in the Indian flag is a symbol of peace.→ CompareemblemSigns, signals and symbolsSpecific signs and symbols›something that is used to represent a quality or idea: Water, a symbol of life, recurs as an image throughout her poems.Figurative use of language›a number, letter, or sign used in mathematics, music, science, etc.: The symbol for oxygen is O.Signs, signals and symbolsSpecific signs and symbols›An object can be described as a symbol of something else if it seems to represent it because it is connected with it in a lot of people's minds: The private jet is a symbol of wealth.Signs, signals and symbolsSpecific signs and symbols